376 - E. RIEPENHAUSEN (*1765) after DÜRER (*1471), *The Little Crucifixion*, copper engraving

E. RIEPENHAUSEN (*1765) after DÜRER (*1471), *The Little Crucifixion*, copper engraving Ernst Ludwig Riepenhausen (1765, Göttingen – 1840, ibid.) after Albrecht Dürer the Younger (1471, Nuremberg – 1528, ibid.): The Small Crucifixion, the so-called sword button of Emperor Maximilian I, 18th century, copper engraving Technique: Copper engraving on paper Catalog Raisonné: , 23 C7? Date: 18th century Description: Copy. The original of this copy is considered a rarity. Probably engraved on a gold plate, it was printed extremely rarely and still puzzles researchers regarding its function. Both its use as a sword or ornamental button and as an emperor’s hat clasp have already been discussed (cf. Schoch 2001, p. 224f). A striking feature of this very good copy is that the letters on the plaque “INRI” are not printed upside down, as they are in the original. Additionally, the ends of the crossbar of the cross appear angular rather than round. Bibliography: – Strauss, Walter L.: The Illustrated Bartsch. Albrecht Dürer; New York 1981. Cat. Rais. No.: 23 C7?. – Heller, Joseph: The Life and Works of Albrecht Dürer; Bamberg 1827. Cat. Rais. No.: 442?. Keywords: Passion, Jesus Christ, Passion, Bible, Figures, Judaism, Crucifixion, 18th century, Classicism, Religious, Germany, Size: Paper: 13.1 cm x 11.7 cm (5.2 x 4.6 in), Plate: 9.5 cm x 9.2 cm (3.7 x 3.6 in) Condition: Good condition. Isolated pale foxing spots and minimal rubbing on the paper. The image is in impeccable condition.